by Lea Coll
“I’ll see you at the guardianship hearing on Thursday.” I tried to ignore the thrill that shot through me that not only had he called, but he was asking me out. “Did you mean on a date?”
“Yeah. I’ll make sure Declan’s at Ian’s house. It will just be you and me. I’ll pick you up at your place and we can go to dinner.”
“Sounds perfect.” The words were out of my mouth before I could censor them. I’d never been the girl who simpered over being asked out, but I felt giddy with anticipation.
He tilted his head slightly. “Are you free on Saturday?”
“I haven’t made any plans yet. You know how I tour something new each week?”
“Yeah.” His expression and tone didn’t offer me anything to go on.
“Would you want to come with me this week too?” When he was quiet for a few seconds, I continued, “If you’re busy it’s not a big deal.”
“No. We can come. Have you decided what you wanted to check out?”
“No. I haven’t. I have a list on my phone of things I want to do.”
“No need for a list. I’m a local. Who better than me to show you around?” His voice was light, teasing, drawing me in deeper.
“Right. Of course.”
“I’d better go. It’s getting late.”
I wasn’t ready to get off the phone yet. I sank down in my blankets, drawing them around me, listening to his voice. “Will you give a hint where we’re going so I know what to wear?”
His lips quirked. “It’s a surprise.”
“Griffin.”
“What? You like knowing every detail ahead of time?” His head tilted, his tone was mocking.
“Yes.”
“Too bad. I want to take you out of your comfort zone.”
My fingers gripped my sheets, twisting against the free fall feeling that grew worse the more time we spent with each other. “You already have.”
“Wear comfortable shoes for the day and a dress in the evening.”
“Sundress, evening dress?” There was a range of dresses that could potentially work.
“That’s all I’m giving you. ‘Night, Avery.” His voice was soft.
“‘Night, Griffin.”
Hanging up, I laid back on the bed. What was I doing? Another Saturday with Griffin and Declan, then an evening date? It was too much. I’d either soar into the sky, better than before, or crash to the ground, bursting into flames.
Chapter Fifteen
Avery
On Thursday, Griffin’s parents flew up for the guardianship hearing to provide moral support. They were prepared to testify as to Erin’s abandonment, her lack of involvement in Declan’s life, physically and financially. I hoped it wouldn’t be necessary.
I’d mailed a copy of our motion and hearing date to Erin at her last known address. She hadn’t responded. I hoped she wouldn’t show up, but I couldn’t rule it out. Parties often showed up for the hearing without reaching out to opposing counsel ahead of time.
Griffin, usually so confident, was worried. He’d called me every day with questions. I tried to alleviate his concern, but I couldn’t make any guarantees when there were so many variables out of our control.
I waited for him outside the courthouse. When he approached with his parents, nerves twirled in my stomach. Meeting parents in this context was unusual. I wasn’t sure how he’d introduce me, as his attorney or something more?
“Mom, Dad, this is Avery Arrington, my attorney. Avery, this is my parents, Bridgett and Jeremiah Locke.”
Jeremiah looked like an older version of Griffin, same blue eyes, gray at his temples, concern etched in the creases on his forehead, eyes, and mouth.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for handling this for Griffin,” Bridgett said. She was tall for a woman, hair tucked into a bun at her nape, her lips set firmly.
“We can’t thank you enough,” Jeremiah added.
“Of course.” I wanted to say this was my job, but it was so much more with Griffin. I had a vested interest to ensure Declan stayed in his care.
“Why don’t you go ahead in. I want to talk to Avery before court starts,” Griffin said to his parents.
“Sure.” Jeremiah squeezed his son’s shoulder before taking his wife’s hand to go inside.
I was impressed his parents had insisted on traveling for the hearing. I’m sure my parents wouldn’t have done the same. They were always too busy with work. “If the judge grants you guardianship, you can always transfer it to your parents at a later date.”
I know he said he wanted to be the one to raise him, but I wanted to let him know his decision wasn’t permanent. It could be changed if necessary.
His brow furrowed. “What? No. I’m not worried about that.”
Something softened inside of me at his words. It was my job to tell him the legal consequences of today’s hearing and order, but I needed his affirmation on a personal level. It was hard for me to believe he’d go to such lengths to care for his nephew when my parents hadn’t done as much for me. “I wanted to tell you the legal implications. Guardianship protects you and him if Erin comes back. It allows you the freedom to make all of the decisions regarding his education, health, and living situation. We’d discussed the hearing and what would happen several times over the phone, but it was habit to repeat everything before the hearing. Did you have any questions?”
“What happens if Erin shows up?” His eyes darted around as if he was looking for her.
“She can contest the hearing. There’d be a trial. That’s why we have affidavits from Declan’s teachers, his counselor. They’re all on call if we need them to come in and testify. Your parents will confirm everything.”
He gripped his neck. “I don’t know what I’d do if Erin showed up.”
“She hasn’t responded to the motion. I can’t promise she won’t show up, but it’s doubtful.” I wanted to reach out and soothe him, but it wasn’t my place. I was his attorney. All I could offer was my best guess as to what would happen.
He sighed as if the weight of this hearing, the worry was too much. “Let’s get this over with.”
I resisted grabbing his hand, knowing it was unprofessional and uncharacteristic of me. If our relationship progressed further, I’d need to talk to Hadley and Dylan about transferring his case to one of them. I didn’t want to because I got a deep-seated satisfaction from helping him, but the reality was it was unethical to date a client. If someone reported it, I could be suspended or even disbarred.
When our case was called I walked with Griffin to the front of the room standing side-by-side at the plaintiff’s table.
I leaned closer to Griffin, lowering my voice. “Do you see her in the courtroom?”
He scanned the gallery. “No. I don’t.”
Relief flooded my body. I wanted this to be easy for him.
The judge addressed me, and I went through the motions of the hearing, describing Griffin’s relationship with his nephew, the steps he’d made to ensure he was cared for, provided a copy of the will naming him personal and financial guardian.
It was a routine hearing. I didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until the judge named Griffin as guardian and I handed him my pre-prepared order to sign.
Afterward, the judge excused himself for a ten-minute break, leaving the courtroom.
While I gathered my papers and folders at the trial table, Jeremiah and Bridgett approached, thanking me and congratulating Griffin.
“It was so nice to meet you, Ms. Arrington,” Bridgett said, shaking my hand.
“Nice to meet you too,” I said.
“We’ll meet you outside,” Jeremiah said to Griffin before addressing me. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome.” I wanted to tell him there was no need to thank me. I enjoyed helping people out but that wasn’t necessarily true. I enjoyed helping Griffin.
I slung my briefcase over my shoulder, intending to leave as well. Griffin’s hand rested on my
shoulder, stopping me.
I raised a brow at him.
“Thank you.” Griffin’s face was a mixture of relief and gratitude.
“I’m happy it worked out.” That was an understatement. I felt almost heady with relief that the courtroom doors didn’t open during the proceedings.
“I don’t know what I would have done if she’d—”
“You don’t have to worry about it because she didn’t.” It didn’t mean she wouldn’t show up at some point, but I wanted him to enjoy this moment.
“You have time to go to lunch with my parents and me?”
I’d never been invited to lunch with anyone’s parents. It was a big step. Was I ready for it? Fiddling with the chain on my necklace, I said, “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be.”
I wanted to ask if I was going as his attorney or something else, but I didn’t. “Sure.”
“Perfect.” He placed his hand on the small of my back as I led the way out of the courtroom.
My mind focused on the spot his hand touched, warmth radiating through my whole body. I wondered if his parents would suspect we were more than attorney and client.
Chapter Sixteen
Avery
Lunch with Griffin’s parents went well. They were sweet and caring, everything my parents weren’t. Griffin never mentioned that we were dating, but I think his mom suspected something. I saw a few looks she exchanged with Jeremiah. Spending time with his family only solidified my impression that Griffin was a good guy.
Griffin spent the evening with Declan and his parents, but he texted to see if I was available for a video call. It became a nightly ritual to talk to him before I fell asleep. I’d change into pajamas, brush my teeth, sliding into bed to wait for his text. When that familiar buzz sounded, my heart rate picked up. I was becoming addicted to him.
Friday, I was busy in court. When I pulled open the firm’s door after court, Dylan sat at the front desk, her brows raised. “There you are.”
My shoulders sagged, the stress of the morning seeping out of my muscles. “I was in court all morning. I’m starving.”
“Griffin’s here to see you and he brought lunch.” She tipped her head to the side where the guest chairs were.
“Oh really?” Sure enough, Griffin sat, a smile on his lips, legs spread wide, two large brown bags on the seat next to him. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t sensed his presence as soon as I walked in.
When our eyes met, he stood, grabbing the bags. “Hey.”
Normally, I’d get annoyed if a man I was dating brought me lunch at work, but I was happy to see him.
“That’s great because I’m hungry.” I took a few steps toward him.
“Where do you want to eat?” His gaze trailed over my head and I knew Dylan was still here.
“You can eat on the patio out back,” Dylan offered helpfully.
“Good idea. Follow me.” I dropped my briefcase in my office before proceeding out the back door.
“I forget this is here,” Griffin said as we stepped outside onto the small brick patio.
“We bought the table so we could eat out here on nice days. The neighbor’s tree provides plenty of shade.” I gestured to the neighbor’s property, suddenly nervous that we were very much alone with this newfound sense of familiarity after our evening talks.
Griffin set the bags on the table, turning to face me. “I wanted to see you.”
“I’m happy you’re here.” I gave in to the hope and lightness swirling in my gut. Maybe this relationship stuff wasn’t so hard after all.
He smiled before cupping my cheek, touching his lips to mine lightly.
I swayed into him expecting more, but he pulled back.
He dropped his hand to his side. “You’re hungry. Let’s eat.”
“I am.” I sit across the table from him.
Griffin pulled wrapped sandwiches out of the bag.
“What did you bring?”
“Burgers from the Federal House on the waterfront. I would have brought crab cakes but I wasn’t sure if you liked them.” He pulled out two waters, setting them between us on the table.
“I do.” I loved that he’d thought about what I’d like. That he’d surprised me at work.
He smiled at me. “Next time then.”
“Yeah, next time.” I licked my suddenly dry lips. Why had he brought lunch today when I’d see him tomorrow unless he really had missed me. The idea of this man being into me, letting this go further than I’d ever let any other relationship go, made me lightheaded.
He placed the burger in front of me then unwrapped his.
I dug in right away. After a few bites, I touched my stomach. “This hits the spot after being in court all morning.”
“Is being in court stressful?”
“Sometimes. Today was just landlord-tenant issues. No big deal,” I teased.
He chuckled before answering, “We used to have our own landlord-tenant issues. Speaking of, we never got together to discuss negotiating your new lease.”
“We should do that with all of my partners present, especially if we’re doing this.” I gestured between us, meaning to say we were dating, but unable to say that word out loud.
“Right. Of course. Let me know what works for you.”
“We should take care of it soon.” I was so wrapped up in him, I’d neglected to handle something important, not only to me, but to my friends, the firm. I had to remember at the end of the day, there was only me. I had to do what was best for me when everything inside me wanted to care for him.
“Of course.” He was quiet for a few seconds, finishing his burger. Then he said, “You know, you can trust me. I’m not going to kick you out at the end of the lease even if we haven’t come to an agreement.”
“You can’t possibly promise that.” I felt like I was saying this to him all the time, but it was true.
“Why not?”
“You just can’t.” Promises were empty. I’ll be home by dinner. I’ll be there for parent’s night. I think they tried harder after Mason left, but when every promise goes unfulfilled, you learn not to trust them.
“I know we have a long way to go, but I hope you believe me when I say I wouldn’t do anything to harm you or your firm.”
I stared at the table between us, my face hot. “I want to trust you.”
“It’s a start, but I hope you let me in, Avery.”
“I am. More than anyone else.”
His lips were drawn into a tight line. “I know this thing between us is new and different for you, but the basis of any relationship is trust. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll prove to you that you can trust me.”
I nodded, because my throat was too tight to speak. We finished eating, talking about lighter things, the firm’s progress, our upcoming plans for Kids Speak. All too soon, it was time for him to leave, he interlaced his fingers with mine as we walked back through the office, past Dylan and Hadley’s raised brows. I knew they’d have questions for me.
He tugged me out the front door onto the sidewalk. “Thank you for lunch.”
I tilted my face up to him. “I should be the one thanking you.”
He leaned down, kissing me, longer and deeper than when he greeted me. This time I swayed toward him until my body was pressed against his. He pulled his lips from mine, leaning down to whisper into my ear, “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“Me too,” I said as he released me, turning toward his car.
I focused on the tingling from his lips, wanting to memorize the feel of his lips on mine. I watched him until he slid into his car, pulling out into traffic. When I entered the office, sifting through what just happened, Dylan and Hadley stood in the reception area.
“What was that?” Dylan asked as soon as I walked inside.
“He brought me lunch.” I hoped stating the obvious would diffuse her interest.
“He kissed you in front of us,” Hadley added.
&nbs
p; “He did.” I walked past them, hoping they wouldn’t follow.
“Are you guys dating?” Dylan asked.
When I reached my office, I sat at my desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed what we’re doing. We hang out, we talk on the phone, he brought me lunch. We’re spending the day together tomorrow.”
I caught the look they exchanged in the doorway to my office, a mixture of surprise and pleasure.
“You like him,” Hadley said.
“I wouldn’t hang out with him if I didn’t like him.” I sat at my desk, wondering why their questions bothered me. Was it because I didn’t want to share what we had or was it something else? I shifted at the uncomfortable idea that I might want to put a label on us.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with someone like this.” Dylan sat across from me.
“Like what?”
“In law school, we barely knew when you were dating. You didn’t bring guys back to the apartment often,” Dylan said.
“I always met them at their place or out.” After Wes, I wanted a clear separation, one I worked hard to keep. No overnights. No visits to my apartment. That way when we broke up, no one could show up at my door, there were no memories of us at my apartment.
“Why though? Whenever I asked, you acted like it was nothing.” Dylan’s brow furrowed.
“Maybe because it was nothing.” Before the words were out of my mouth, I realized what I’d revealed.
“This thing with Griffin is different,” Hadley said.
“It is.” As soon as I’d made the decision to be honest, the words tumbled out of me uncensored. “I’m worried I’m going to screw it up. I’m not wired for this. I don’t have feelings for guys. I don’t eat lunch at work with them, much less kiss them.”
“This is good,” Hadley said.
I tilted my head. “How is this good? He’s got me all tied up in knots. He’s got me wondering if I’m his girlfriend.”
“Aw, you have feelings for him.” Dylan smiled at Hadley.
“You make it sound cute, but it’s not. It’s messy and complicated. It has the potential to destroy everything.” All of my worries I’d kept pressed down erupted between us.
